Rio Ave have snapped up released Real Madrid fullback Fabio Coentrao.

Marca says Coentrao returns to Portugal and Rio Ave where he kicked off his career.

Coentrao played on loan last season at Sporting CP, and his impressive performances resulted in gaining a starting position in the XI as well as receiving the call-up from his national team.

The former Real Madrid man has been presented as the new player of the Portuguese side in a video titled 'Welcome back home'.

Coentrao, 30, was trained in the lower categories of Rio Ave and played with the first team until 2007 when he signed for Benfica.